Our vision in this project is to forma long-lasting strategic partnership between the Department of Physics at FIU and the Physics Frontier Center at JILA to promote and advance diversity and research excellence in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics at both institutions. The partnership will connect the world-class research at JILA PFC with the diverse physics student population at FIU by carrying out research activities proposed in two research thrusts and implementing PREP Pathway improvement strategies.
Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics studies fundamental building blocks of functional matter, including atoms and their constituents, molecules, and light at the quantum level. AMO physics has been a cornerstone for modern science and emerging technologies, noting particularly the fundamental role of AMO in the field of quantum information science and technology. The proposed partnership will address several scientific challenges in AMO physics and, more importantly, challenges in recruiting and training undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented groups to build a diverse workforce in AMO-related fields.